Mechanical shuffler

ABSTRACT

A mechanical shuffling apparatus is disclosed having a mechanism for delivering a single card through a horizontally disposed slot such that mechanical damage to the card is minimized and adequate shuffling of a deck of cards is achieved. The horizontally disposed slot is sized to receive a single card and can be adjusted or calibrated by card manufacturer or type. Additionally, the mechanical shuffler has a weight to flatten cards disposed on a horizontal plane. By keeping cards flat and minimizing mechanical damage to the card the mechanical shuffler disclosed herein also avoids delays and damage caused by jamming.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/553,493, filed on Nov. 25, 2014, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a card shuffler and more particularly to amechanical card shuffler for randomly shuffling playing cards.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Casinos, card rooms, and other gaming establishments employ manydealers. The dealers shuffle cards, deal the cards, take bets, andotherwise play the game. Substantial amounts of the dealers' time isspent shuffling the decks of cards in preparation for the ensuing hands,During the time the dealer is shuffling, the game table is in and betsare not being placed. From the standpoint of the casino, it is desirableto minimize the time spent n preparing the decks of cards for additionalplay.

A number of prior art card deck shuffling machines have been invented.Most of the prior automatic shufflers have suffered from variousproblems. Many are relatively slow and do not help the basic problemencountered by the gaming establishment. Others are relatively complexand thus expensive to build and maintain.

Another problem area suffered by both manual and automated shufflingtechniques is associated with having concentrated groupings of cards.These concentrations or “slugs” can occur with respect to cards having avalue of 10 such as in playing blackjack. A skilled card-countinggambler can take advantage of such slugs to turn the odds against thecasino and in favor of the card counter. Such slugs can also indicatethe failure of prior art shufflers to effectively rearrange the order ofcards in a deck or decks being shuffled.

Thus there remains a strong need for improved shuffling machines whichcan effectively reorder a deck or series of decks. Additionally, thereremains a need for an improved automatic shuffler which is relativelyeasy to build, operate, and maintain.

In one shuffler of the prior art, U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,483, ejectors aremounted adjacent an unshuffled stack holder, which can be stationary ormovable. Cards are ejected and discharged from the unshuffled stack atvarious random positions. The ejectors can be mounted on a movablecarriage. Ejectors of this sort can be problematic because they candamage the card edges from impact and generate dust that can foul theinternal workings of the apparatus unless it is consistently cleaned andmaintained. Furthermore, the ejector apparatus does not fully deliverthe card to the shuffled stack, so a variety of problems can happen withthe delivery of the card. For ample, sometimes the ejector can hit morethan one card causing doubles or more to be delivered to the shuffledstack. Moreover, if two cards are stuck together for one reason oranother, they often not become separated upon impact of the ejector,causing doubles to be delivered to the shuffled stack.

In another shuffler of the prior art, U.S. Pat. No. 7,988,152, anunshuffled stack of cards sits on-edge and an exciter is adapted toimpart vibrational action to the supported cards in the unshuffledstack, Cards drop in a random fashion by controlling the relativeposition of the cards over one or more card slots. These arrangementsfunction well enough in terms of shuffling the cards, however, thesystem only allows for entering cards “on edge,” not easily permittingthe continuous addition of spent cards that have been played to theunshuffled deck for reshuffling and therefore continuous dispensing ofcards. For certain games, such as, for example, Pai Gow, it isadvantageous to provide the ability to place spent cards back in theshuffler for shuffling without having to completely empty the shufflerof unshuffled cards.

Another problem with prior art shufflers of the type described above inU.S. Pat. No. 7,988,152 is that the cards drop by the force of gravityand can become snagged or stuck and not fall into place if the cards aredamaged or warped. Furthermore, the slot through which unshuffled cardspass is located underneath the unshuffled cards and the unshuffled cardsits on an edge and must rotate into a horizontal plane to be deliveredto the dealer. This rotation adds extra time before the dealer may dealcards. In a casino environment, time efficiencies are extremelyimportant to keep games moving and increase the number and amounts ofbets placed, so the additional time to rotate the cards into ahorizontal plane prior to dealing can add up.

An additional problem presented by shufflers of the prior art such asthose disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,988,152 is that the slot throughwhich cards pass from the unshuffled stack into the shuffled stack canbecome jammed with one or more cards. This is because there is nomechanism by which the cards are completely delivered through the slotfrom the unshuffled deck to the shuffled deck. Absent such a completedelivery mechanism, there exists substantial risk of doubles snaking itthrough the slot or of the slot becoming jammed with one or more cards.Furthermore, the leading edge of the card may not always hit the centerof the slot, causing impact and damage to the leading edge of the card,which also generates dust and can foul the internal mechanisms of theshuffler.

In the prior art shuffler of the kind described in Pat. No. 8,342,526 ashuffler is provided that uses one or e rollers and a pushing memberwhich is used to “seat” unshuffled cards into a dealing rack (shuffledcard rack). Each card is rolled of the bottom of the stack in asequential order and is placed in a position in a rack which is randomlypositioned to accept such card. These various types of shufflers sufferfrom a variety of problems related to the use of rollers and multiplemoving parts and mechanisms. The rollers in general move the cardsthrough a variety of twists and turns and, in so doing, the cards canbecome warped and damaged. The shufflers of these various types alsoinvolve several different sets of moving parts and mechanisms. The useof multiple moving parts and mechanisms can provide areas for breakdownin the shuffling apparatus and require repeated and constant maintenanceor frequent repair. Furthermore, shufflers involving multiple movingmechanisms of this type can take up a lot of space.

Therefore, there exists a need for a mechanical shuffler that is compactand can shuffle cards on the fly in a continuous fashion so as to notsubstantially interrupt play. There also exists a need for a mechanicalshuffler that avoids the use of ejectors, rollers, or like mechanismswhich can damage the cards and generate excessive amounts of card dustthat might foul the internal mechanisms of the shuffler. There alsoexists a need for a shuffler that completely and randomly delivers asingle card at a time from an unshuffled stack to a shuffled stack andthereby avoids the problem of cards snagging to jamming in the shufflingmechanism. Finally there exists a need for a mechanical shuffler that isprogrammable for dealing hands specific to certain types of gameswherein spent cards may be placed directly back into the machine at anytime during the play to be further dealt so as to avoid delays in play.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a mechanical shuffler comprising the following, agenerally planar base, a platform sized to receive at least one deck ofunshuffled cards, the platform movable in a direction of travel normalto the generally planar base, a first electrically powered motormechanically coupled to the platform and configured to raise or lowerthe platform in response to a first signal, a slot positioned adjacentto the platform and sized to receive a single card from a deck ofunshuffled cards wherein the deck of unshuffled cards rests atop theplatform and wherein the slot is in communication with an area for thedelivery of shuffled cards, a generally planar shim having a thicknessapproximately equal to the thickness of a single playing card and havinga generally rectangular void, wherein the generally rectangular void issized to allow the deck of unshuffled cards to pass through it, andwherein the generally planar shim is horizontally movable in a directionnormal to the direction of travel of the platform and the unshuffleddeck of cards, and a second electrically powered motor mechanicallycoupled to the generally planar shim wherein said second electricallypowered motor is configured to move the generally planar shim inresponse to a second signal.

The invention also encompasses a mechanical shuffler comprising thefollowing: an elevator for vertically moving a stack of unshuffledcards, a slot positioned adjacent to the elevator and sized to receive asingle card from a deck of unshuffled cards, and a shim having agenerally rectangular void, wherein the generally rectangular void issized to allow the deck of unshuffled cards to pass through it, andwherein the shim is horizontally movable in a direction normal to thedirection of travel of the elevator and the unshuffled deck of cards.

The invention also encompasses a method wherein the method includes oneor more of the following steps: vertically moving a stack of unshuffledcards to a random position relative to a slot positioned adjacent to thestack of unshuffled cards, providing a shim having a generallyrectangular void, wherein the generally rectangular void is sized toallow the deck of unshuffled cards to pass through it after the stack ofunshuffled cards has been moved to a random position relative to theslot, moving the shim horizontally in a direction normal to thedirection of travel of the unshuffled deck of cards such that a singlecard is selected at random from the stack of unshuffled cards and movedthrough the slot and into an area for the delivery of shuffled cards.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred and alternative examples of the present invention aredescribed .1 detail below with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mechanical shuffler made in accordancewith principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mechanical shuffler made in accordancewith principles of the present invention with the cover removed.

FIG. 3 is a close-up, a perspective, front view of a mechanical shufflermade in accordance with principles of the present invention without thecover.

FIG. 4 is a close-up, a perspective, front view of a mechanical shufflermade in accordance with principles of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a close-up, a perspective, rear view of a mechanical shufflermade in accordance with principles of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a vertical articulation mechanism usablein accordance with principles of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a vertical articulation mechanism usablein accordance with principles of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a vertical articulation mechanism usablein accordance with principles of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing some of the elements of thevertical articulation mechanism usable in accordance with principles ofthe present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing some of the elements of thevertical articulation mechanism usable in accordance with principles ofthe present invention.

FIG. 11 is a view of a shim usable in accordance with principles of thepresent invention.

FIG. 12 is a view of a shim usable in accordance with principles of thepresent invention.

FIG. 13 is a view of a shim usable in accordance with principles of thepresent invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a shim assembly and horizontalarticulation mechanism usable in accordance with principles of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a shim assembly and horizontalarticulation mechanism usable in accordance with principles of thepresent invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a shim assembly and horizontalarticulation mechanism usable in accordance with principles of thepresent invention.

FIG. 17 is a front-side, planar view of a mechanical shuffler usable inaccordance with principles of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a detailed view of the slot, unshuffled cards, and shimusable in accordance with principles of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a front, planar view of a slot assembly usable in accordancewith principles of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a front, partial, planar view of a slot assembly usable inaccordance with principles of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the. pin assembly usable inaccordance with principles of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram describing an automated shuffling systemusable in accordance with principles of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is schematic diagram describing example steps used in accordancewith principles of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment for amechanical shuffler usable in accordance with principles of the presentinvention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment for amechanical shuffler usable in accordance with principles of the presentinvention with the cover removed.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of all alternative embodiment for amechanical shuffler usable in accordance with principles of the presentinvention with the cover removed and the surrounding table removed toshow mechanisms below the table.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment fora mechanical shuffler usable in accordance with principles of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Mechanical shuffler 10 is shown in FIG. 1 with the cover 16. Preferably,the cover is made from an opaque or semi-opaque plastic, but theinvention also contemplates use of a translucent plastic material. Theshuffler 10 includes a receiving space 18 that is cut into the top ofcover 16. The receiving space 18 is sized to receive cards to beshuffled 12. These cards to be shuffled 12 can be cards from a newlyopened deck of cards or hey can be cards from spent (i.e., played) cardsdealt.

Receiving space 18 is also formed at one corner with an integral pieceof plastic forming a guiding member 20. Guiding member 20 can be used tostraighten the stack of unshuffled cards 12 such that any misalignedcards are put into proper alignment so that the entire stack ofunshuffled cards 12 can be placed inside of receiving space 18. Asdepicted in the illustrated embodiment, guiding member fiber 20 hasrounded corners and is formed generally to occupy the top left-handcorner of receiving space 18. Alternative shapes and configurations arecontemplated.

Shuffled cards 14 are dispensed as shown in FIG. 1 through a card catchassembly 22. The card catch assembly 22 is integrally formed into thecover 16 but can alternatively be a separate piece and in artyconfiguration suitable for dispensing cards or hands to be dealt.

With reference now to FIG. 2 cover 16 is removable and when so removedexposes the internal shuffling mechanism 24 of the illustratedembodiment. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that thatparticular mechanical arrangements for shuffler 10 and in particular,the internal shuffling mechanism 24, can vary widely and that specificembodiment illustrated is not intended to limit the invention claimed tothe particular mechanics employed or illustrated. With that said, FIG. 2shows that shuffler 10 and an internal shuffling mechanism 24 that isgenerally comprised of a generally planar base 28 which includes aplurality of fastener holes 26 for securing the cover 16. Generally, theshuffler 24 also includes a first side wall 30, second side wall 32, andfirst front support 34, a second front support 36, and a top framingmember 58. Shuffler 10 seen in FIG. 2 is of the front side of themechanical arrangement and this shows an area for vertical articulationand a vertical articulating mechanism 40 as well as an area for thedelivery of shuffled cards with a card delivery mechanism 38.

The card delivery mechanism employed in the illustrated embodiment isthrough the use of a slide 42. In the illustrated embodiment, slide 42is of a sufficient slope to permit the shuffled cards to slide by theforce of gravity to the card catch assembly 22. The verticalarticulating mechanism 40 and card delivery mechanism 38 are separatedby a support 36.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, shuffler 10 as illustrated, preferably includesat least two linear servo motors. The first linear servo motor 44 drivesthe horizontally articulating cover 48, which optionally can include aweight (not shown) that can freely sit atop the cards to be shuffled 12.The use of a free weight atop cards to be shuffled is advantageous toprovide a means by which the cards to be shuffled 12 are flattened.Throughout the course of play, it is not unusual for card players tohold cards in their hand and to warp or bend cards. Cards can alsobecome warped or bent from the method by which a player or the dealerplaces them on the table or picks them up from the table. By affixing aweight that sits atop the cards to be shuffled, any warped cards areheld in a substantially flat orientation notwithstanding being warped orbent.

First linear servo motor 44 and second linear servo motor 46 arepreferably linear DC-servomotors consisting of a non-magnetic metalalloy casing (stator) with a built-in coil and analogue Hall sensors forrapid and precise movement and articulation. The servo motors 44 and 46have a high precision metal cylinder filled with permanent magnets, thecylinder capable of moving concentrically inside the stator resulting ina miniature linear motor drive mechanism. Preferably the linear servomotors are of the Quicksaft® brand, model LM1247, available fromFaulhaber Minimotor SA.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, shuffler 10 includes a vertical articulatingmechanism 40 that is further comprised of vertically moving member 50 afirst rod for vertical articulation 52 and a second rod for verticalarticulation 54. Additionally, the top assembly for verticalarticulation 56 can also be seen in FIGS. 2-4. Furthermore, shuffler 10as illustrated includes an optical switch 71. Optical switch 71 ispreferably a slotted optical switch such as those available from TTElecronics, Optek Technology sold under the name Photologic®. Opticalswitch 71 senses when horizontally articulating cover 48 is in the“closed” position, and thus when the shuffler 10 is unable to receive avertically articulating stack of unshuffled cards 12. One of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that any switching mechanism iscontemplated by the invention and the invention is not necessarilylimited to the use of an optical switch as shown.

With particular reference now to FIG. 4, horizontally articulating cover48 is shown in the “closed” position. Arrow 60 indicates the directionof movement for the horizontally articulating cover 48. When closed,horizontally articulating cover is seated around the top assembly forvertical articulation 56 at an area defined by a notch 80 in the cover48. When in the “closed” position, the servo arm 62 of the first linearservo motor 44 extends through to the front right of the shuffler 10.Likewise, in this position, first horizontal cover guide 64 and secondhorizontal cover guide 66 can be seen on the cover mating surface 68.Guides 64 and 66 are meant to keep horizontally articulating cover 48 ona relatively straight track as it moves in a horizontal direction 60.FIG. 4 also shows optical switch 70 as well as a first threaded screw 72and a second threaded screw 74. In addition, the optical switch 70 isshown. In general, guides 64 and 66, along with optical switch 70, keephorizontally articulating cover 48 from sliding at unwanted times or inresponse to being tipped to one side or the other, Optical switch 70senses when horizontally articulating cover 48 is in the “open”position, and thus when the shuffler 10 is able to receive a verticallyarticulating stack of unshuffled cards 12. Horizontally articulatingcover slides generally along a first rod for horizontal articulation 76and a second rod for horizontal articulation 78, along direction 60 asguided by guides 64 and 66.

FIG. 5 shows, in general, the rear of the internal shuffling mechanism24, From the rear as shown in FIG. 5, horizontally articulating cover 48is shown in the “open” position and the internal shuffling mechanism 24is therefore in a position to receive cards to be shuffled 12. One canalso see in this view he back of the slide 42 and in particular the topof the incline on which shuffled cards will fall and slide.

With reference now to FIGS. 6-8, the mechanism for vertical articulation81 is described. The illustrated embodiment includes a mechanism forvertical articulation 81 that is generally comprised of a support 82, athreaded rod 84, a platform support 92, and an internally threaded bore94, Internally threaded bore 94 is driven up or down depending on thedirection of rotation of threaded rod 84. Threaded rod 84 is driven bythe action of electric motor 96. Electric motor 96 is mechanicallycoupled to threaded rod 84 by a belt 86. Belt drive 88 spins by thedirect drive provided by electric motor 96. Belt 86 drives threaded rod84 and the rotation of threaded rod 84 articulates up or down theplatform support 92.

As seen in FIGS. 6-8, the mechanism for vertical articulation 81provides for he vertical movement of a stack of unshuffled cards 12. Thestack of unshuffled cards 112 can be one or more full decks. Themechanism for vertical articulation 81 thereby provides an “elevator”type arrangement the raises or lowers a stack of unshuffled cards 12 ina random manner so as to provide a randomized selection of a single cardfrom the stack of unshuffled cards 12. The selection of a single card inthis manner is done by determining or identifying the card from theunshuffled stack 12 at a particular fixed point of reference. In theillustrated embodiment, the fixed reference point for selecting a cardfrom the unshuffled stack 12 is fixed relative to the random verticalmovement of the elevator apparatus or mechanism for verticalarticulation 81. At any given moment in the random vertical movement ofthe mechanism for vertical articulation 81, the fixed point of referencewill select a card at random. This random selection of a single card isuseful for the preparation and shuffling of cards or the transformationof the shuffled deck of cards 12 into shuffled cards 14. In general,FIG. 7 shows the mode in which the mechanism for vertical articulation81 is elevated and FIG. 8 shows the mode in which the mechanism forvertical articulation is towered. For example, as unshuffled stack 12 israised or lowered by the alternating and reversible movement of threadedrod 84, driven as depicted by belt 86, belt drive 88, and rod drive 90,a random card may be selected for inclusion in a hand to be dealt or tobe formed.

As best seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the unshuffled stack of cards 12 israised or lowered in the “elevator” through the mechanism for verticalarticulation described above with reference to FIGS. 6-8. One ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate, however, that the particularmechanical arrangements for the vertical articulation of the stack ofunshuffled cards 12 is unimportant so long as the stack of unshuffledcards 12 is raised or lowered by any mechanism that provides randomselection of a card from the unshuffled cards 12. Any arrangement bywhich the stack of unshuffled cards are raised or lowered in a randomfashion is contemplated by the invention, including but not limited tovarious belt-drive mechanisms, linear servo motors, or other direct orgear driven arrangements for raising or lowering the stack of unshuffledcards at random.

With reference now to FIGS. 11-13, a shim 120 for delivering cards fromthe unshuffled stack 12 to the shuffled stack 14 is described. As seenin FIG. 11, the shim 120 is comprised of a single sheet of metal formedor fabricated to include a void 128 through which the stack ofunshuffled cards 12 can freely pass. Preferably, the void is sized tohave dimensions slightly greater than a standard deck of cards, suchthat the stack of unshuffled cards can only barely pass through the void128. Shim 120 includes holes 12.4 for fastening the shim in a structurethat can provide for horizontal articulation of the shim 120. As bestseen in FIG. 12, the shim 120 fully encases a single card 122 within thevoid 128. As the arrow in FIG. 12 indicates, the shim 120 preferablymoves from left to right, passing through the stack of unshuffled cards12 at a moment in time where the vertical articulation of the unshuffledstack of cards has ceased, thereby permitting the encasement of a singlecard 122 within the void 128 of the shim 120. At this point in time,i.e., when the random vertical articulation of the “elevator” hasceased, the shim 120 completely delivers a single card 122 from thestack of unshuffled cards 12 into the stack of shuffled cards 14. Oncethe single card 122 has been delivered in this manner, the elevatormechanism is thereby able to move again in a random vertical manner,stopping once again for another selection of a card from the stack ofunshuffled cards 12 and the delivery of a single card 122 by theencasement of that single card 122 inside of shim 120 within void 128.

Preferably, the void 128 of shim 120 is meant to come into substantiallyfull contact with one or more sides of the single card 122 as it passesor “cuts” through the stack of unshuffled cards 12. In this manner, thesingle card 122 can be completely delivered by the shim 120 from thestack of unshuffled cards 12 to the stack of shuffled cards 14,Preferably, the complete delivery of a single card 122 from theunshuffled stack 12 to the shuffled stack 14 is done in a manner thatdoes not substantially damage the edge of the single card 122 orotherwise bend or warp the single card 122. Preferably, the shim 120delivers a substantially flat, non-damaged, non-warped card from thestack of unshuffled cards 120 the stack of shuffled cards 14.

The shim 120 includes a mounting notch 126 and is preferably of athickness less than that provided by any single card 122 selected fromthe stack of unshuffled cards 12. In the embodiment illustrated, thethickness of the shim 120 is 0.010 inches. One of ordinary skill in theart will appreciate that other thicknesses might also be advantageousdepending on the thickness of the cards to be shuffled. Typically, theaverage thickness of a standard playing card is approximately 0.012inches. Accordingly, the illustrated shim, at a thickness of slightlyless than the average thickness of a standard playing card provides agood mechanism by which a single card 122 of average thickness can bepushed by one or more sides of the void 128 in the manner depicted FIGS.12 and 13.

Other dimensions of the shim 120 are that is approximately 5.25 incheslong and 4.60 inches wide. The dimensions of the void 128 are preferably2.60 inches by 3.60 inches and the dimensions of the mounting notch 126are preferably 3.00 inches by 1.25 inches. One of ordinary skill in theart will appreciate that the exact measurements of the illustratedembodiment may be varied and still be within the scope of the inventionas claimed. For example, the shim may be configured to be a part of aflexible belt or track that revolves in response to one or more signals.In this alternative embodiment for the shim, he belt or track would haveseveral rectangular voids such as that shown as element 128 in FIGS.11-13. As a part of a belt or track, the several rectangular voids 128would rotate such that at least a portion of the track was traveling ina direction normal to the direction of travel of the stack of unshuffledcards 12. The void 128 of the shim in this embodiment is meant to comeinto substantially full contact with one or more sides of the singlecard 122 as it passes or “cuts” throe h the stack of unshuffled cards12.

FIGS. 14-16 show the shim assembly 130 as it is articulated in ahorizontal direction, thereby cutting through the stack of unshuffledcards 12 and delivering a single card 122 to the stack of shuffled cards14. Shim assembly 130 is comprised generally of top carriage piece 132and bottom carriage piece 134. As depicted, the shim assembly 130 slidesin a horizontal direction along a first rod for horizontal articulation136 and a second rod for horizontal articulation 138. The second linearservo motor 46 actuates the shim assembly 130 causing it to slidehorizontally in either direction.

FIG. 17 shows the shuffler 10, and in particular, the internal shufflingmechanism 24 in a planar view from the front. The dashed ellipseidentifies a portion of the slot assembly 104. In operation, the shimassembly 130 as depicted in FIGS. 14-16 preferably passes through theslot assembly 104, delivering a card from the unshuffled stack 12 to theshuffled stack 14, whereby the shim 120 completely delivers a singlecard 122 through the slot assembly 104.

The mechanical shuffler as shown and described may also be equipped witha card alignment camera in communication with vertical motor 242. A cardalignment camera may be used to help position the unshuffled stack 12relative to the slot assembly 104 to ensure optimal position fordelivery of a single card through the slot.

FIG. 18 is a magnified, cross sectional view of the slot assembly 104.As shown in magnified view, the slot assembly 104 is comprised of anupper slot structure 100 and a lower slot structure 102. The spacebetween the upper and lower slot structures, 100 and 102, defines theslot 112. The slot is preferably about 0.018 inches wide, therebypermitting a single card of average thickness (0.012 inches) to passthrough. As depicted in FIG. 18, the edge of the shim 120 can be seen aselement 120 a. As further depicted in FIG. 18, the stack of unshuffledcards 12 can be seen magnified as 12 a, and the trailing edge 122 a ofsingle card 122 can be seen just ⁻before it passes through the slotassembly 104 from right to left. As seen in this FIG. 18, the edge ofthe shim 120 a is slightly thinner than the thickness of single card 122a, such that it substantially evenly strikes the trailing edge of thecard 122, and delivers it completely through the slot assembly 104.

As depicted in FIGS. 19-20, the slot assembly 104 preferably includes amechanism for adjusting the width of the slot 112. As shown in FIG. 19,the slot assembly 104 includes spaces on both sides, 116 and 118. Spaces116 and 118 are the spaces through which the shim assembly 120 passes asit moves horizontally. As seen in FIGS. 19 and 20 the slot assembly 104is affixed atop a base 152. The base 152 is the same structure marked aselement number 36 in FIG. 2, except in FIGS. 19 and 20 the structure isseen in a different orientation.

The width of slot 112 is preferably adjustable by rotation of 4 screws,two of which are depicted in FIG. 20. As seen in FIG. 20, screws 114 and115 can be turned to adjust the width of the slot 112 by adjusting therelative height of the upper :structure of the slot 100 or the lowerstructure of the slot 102, or both. Screws 114 or 115 are turned into orout of the threads located at 148 and 150 on base 152. Springs 144 and146 are preferably used to bias the upper slot structure 102 and lowerslot structure 100 in a direction away from the base 152. An identicaladjustment mechanism as depicted in FIG. 20 exists around the otherspace, i.e., space 118, of the slot ,structure 104.

As depicted in FIG. 21, both the upper slot structure 100 and the lowerslot structure 102 slide along press fit pins 108 and 110 (two more arelocated on the other side of the slot assembly 104). Press fit pins 108and 110 are surrounded by an oblong shaped receiving guide 140. Theoblong guide 140 will substantially relieve stresses placed on the pinsthat might otherwise exist due to adjustments to the width of the slot112 by turning of screws 114 or 115.

Turning now to FIG. 22, a preferable configuration and mode of operation200 for card. shuffler 10 is described and shown. Configuration and modeof operation 200 for card shuffler 10 includes a computer represented bybox 222. The computer 222 includes a processor 224 and at least onecomputer readable medium 230 with computer executable instructions. Theprocessor 224 is in communication with a random number generator.Several computational methods are available for generating randomnumbers. In accordance with principles of the present invention, randomnumbers can be generated by random number generator 226 any known methodand the random number can be sent to processor 224. According to a pivottable, positions of the vertical articulating assembly (shown in FIGS.6-8) as driven by vertical motor 242 are correlated to random numbersand a signal is sent from computer 222 according to instructions 228that the vertical articulating assembly should move to a verticalposition at random according to the random number generated.

As depicted in FIG. 22, computer 222 is in communication with verticalmotor 242, linear servo motor 240 and linear servo motor 238. In theillustrated embodiment, vertical motor 242 is meant to represent theelectric motor 96 as depicted in FIG. 6. Furthermore, the linear servomotors 238 and 240 are meant to represent linear servo motors 44 and 46as depicted in FIG. 2 respectively. According to instructions 228 whichare recorded and saved on specially configured computer 222, signals canbe send variously to vertical motor 242, linear servo motor 240 andlinear servo motor 238 to actuate the various vertical and horizontalassemblies. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatvarious methods of programming computer 222 with instructions 228 forthe movement of motors 238, 240, and 242 exists in the art and are wellknown. In general, the instructions 228 will ensure that the horizontalmovement of the shim assembly 130 (as depicted in FIGS. 14-16) iscoordinated with the vertical movement of the vertical articulationmechanism 40 (as depicted in FIGS. 6-8) such that the horizontalmovement of shim assembly 130 only occurs when the vertical movement ofthe vertical articulation mechanism 40 (i.e., the “elevator”) has ceasedat a random vertical location. At such time, the shim assembly 130 willdeliver a single card from the stack of unshuffled cards 112 to thestack of shuffled cards 14.

As further depicted in FIG. 22, computer 222 may be coupled to a displayand a user interface. The coupling can be by any means known in the art,including wireless means and the display may be on the shuffler itselfor on a remote device such as a mobile phone or tablet. The userinterface may be a touch pad located on the shuffler itself, or can be alocal or remote keyboard or touch screen.

The configuration 200 as depicted schematically in FIG. 22 may alsoinclude an optional card sensor located within shuffler 10 at a locationwhere the identity of cards selected at random from the stack ofunshuffled cards can be recorded and stored in memory. The sensing andstoring of the identity of specific cards can be useful fir a variety ofreasons, namely to control or protect against cheating by a player whointroduces cards into his or her hand that were not actually dealt, orby providing methods by which a casino can check on the accuracy andefficiency of the dealer. Methods of sensing and recording the identityof cards through the use of a digital camera that senses visually thesuit and value of the card and records that suit and value in a logsaved to computer memory may be used. Under such a system, keepingphotographs is unnecessary, and the log can be kept using very minimalspace in memory.

Turning now to FIG. 23 where a schematic representation is depictedshowing a method for use of shuffler 10. According to this method, theshuffler 10 can be programmed to deal hands for any number of games,including casino card games. Casino card games may be dealt by theshuffler 10 in “hand removal mode” wherein the cards may be removed inpreset “hands” of one or more cards per player. Casino card gamesinclude games such as Pai Gow, Poker, Caribbean Stud, 3-card Poker, Letit Ride, Hi-Card Flush, Casino War, 4-card Poker, and Baccarat, amongothers.

As depicted in FIG. 23, the method starts with the selection of thecasino game to be played. This step is depicted schematically by box254. Following this step, and depending on the game selected, thecomputer 222 can be programmed to determine the cards dealt per hand, asrepresented by box 256. Following the selection of the number of cardsto be dealt per hand, the shifter deals a hand of that number of cardsusing the mechanical shuffling means described above, whereby a singlecard is selected a time and moved completely through a slot sized toreceive a single card, whereby a shim is used to completely deliver thatcard to the hand. According to this method, the number of players isalso entered into the computer to determine the number of hands neededto be dealt. At this point the hands are dealt 258, and at such time theidentity of cards are sensed 260, and the winner of the game is recorded262. Through this process the purported winner at the table can beauthenticated 246 as checked against the winner the computer 222determines. Once the hand is played, the spent or played cards can bereturned directly to the cards to be shuffled 12 without substantialdelay in play to shuffle cards.

With reference now to FIGS. 24 through 27, an alternative embodiment forthe invention is described. FIG. 24 shows a mechanical shuffler 200usable in accordance with principles of the present invention whereseveral decks can he loaded into the shuffler at one time. There areseveral casino games requiring up to 6 or sometimes 8 decks of cards inorder to keep the pace of play fast and to avoid having to reshuffle andthereby delay play. These games include but are not necessarily limitedto Blackjack, Casino War, Baccarat, and mini Bacarat. The shuffler 200has a cover 210 that extends through a table 220. The shuffler 200, inorder to accommodate several decks, up to and including as many as 8decks and perhaps more, will have a significant portion of the apparatuslocated below the table 220. The cover 210 for shuffler 200 is ofsubstantially the same design as the cover for other embodimentsdescribed herein.

The shuffler 200 operates on substantially the same mechanicalprinciples as those described herein, namely, the vertical articulationof an unshuffled deck of cards relative to a slot that is disposed in ahorizontal plane and sized to receive a single card that is deliveredthrough the slot by a shim. Shuffler 200 differs from previousembodiments in that it may include a card delivery mechanism 240 that issimilar to a traditional card delivery mechanism at the end of atraditional shoe of cards. Card delivery mechanism 240 permits thedealer to slide a single card at a time such as may be required for somecasino game such as blackjack.

The Shuffler 200 can be seen I FIGS. 25 and 26 without the cover,thereby exposing the inner mechanics of the shuffler. One of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that the shuffler 200 operates onsubstantially the same mechanical principles of the invention that aredescribed herein with respect to other embodiments, namely, the random,vertical articulation of a stack of unshuffled. cards and delivery of asingle card through a slot that is sized to receive a single card anddeliver that card to an area where the dealer can provide randomized,shuffled cards to players of a casino game.

As seen in FIG. 26, the shifter 200 includes a side wall 232, throughwhich the card delivery mechanism 240 is disposed. Card deliverymechanism 240 includes a surface 251 upon which the car will slide as itis dealt by the dealer. Surface 251 can be a continuation of the samesurface 250 where the shuffled card slides into the card deliverymechanism 240 once it passes through the slot. FIG. 26 also shows theinner workings of shuffler 200 to show that it operates on substantiallythe same mechanical principles of the invention that are describedherein with respect to other embodiments, namely, the random, verticalarticulation of a stack of unshuffled cards and delivery of a singlecard through a slot that is sized to receive a single card and deliverthat card to an area where the dealer can provide randomized, shuffledcards to players of a casino game. The principal difference betweenshuffler 200 and the other embodiments disclosed herein is that it canhold more decks of cards.

FIG. 27 shows a cross sectional view of shuffler 200, whereby the slot212 can be seen. Further, surface 250 comprises the top surface of aslide member that delivers shuffled cards from the slot 212 to the carddelivery mechanism. Space 251 has a decreasing, wedge-like shape suchthat shuffled cards will slide under the force of gravity into the carddelivery mechanism, where the dealer can slide them out of the carddelivery mechanism and deal them to players. The slope and shape of theblock 255 is a non-limiting representation of an exemplary slope forcard delivery mechanism.

As seen in FIG. 27, vertically articulating threaded rod 284 operates onsubstantially the same principles as described with respect to otherembodiments. Likewise the shim assembly is comprised of at least two topand bottom members 219, and 218 respectively, to hold the shim so thatthe shim can be used to slide a single card from the stack of unshuffledcards through the slot 212.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated anddescribed, as noted above, many changes can be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope ofthe invention is riot limited by the disclosure of the preferredembodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely byreference to the claims that follow.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A mechanical shufflercomprising: a first generally planar surface attached to a shufflercover, a second generally planar surface that is sized to receive atleast one deck of unshuffled cards, wherein said second generally planarsurface is movable in a direction of travel normal to the firstgenerally planar surface, a first electrically powered motormechanically coupled to the second generally planar surface andconfigured to move the second generally planar surface in response to afirst signal, and a slot, wherein the slot is elongated along a planethat is parallel and selectively coplanar with said second generallyplanar surface and wherein said slot is sized to receive a single cardfrom a deck of unshuffled cards, wherein the deck of unshuffled cards isbrought into contact with the second generally planar surface via atleast one guiding member, wherein said at least one guiding member atleast partially aligns the deck of unshuffled cards into a stackedposition and at least partially holds the cards in said stackedposition, wherein said stacked position is in contact with the secondgenerally planar surface.
 2. The mechanical shuffler of claim 1 furtherincluding means for adjusting the size of the slot in response toinformation about the thickness of a single playing card in the deck ofunshuffled cards.
 3. The mechanical shuffler of claim 1 furthercomprising a third generally planar surface having a first edge whereinsaid first edge is configured to come into contact with a first edge ofa single playing card wherein said single playing card is located in thedeck of unshuffled cards, and wherein said third generally planarsurface is further configured to move said single playing card in adirection of travel normal to the direction of travel of the secondgenerally planar surface.
 4. The mechanical shuffler of claim 2 furthercomprising a computer wherein the computer includes a processor, adisplay, and a user interface.
 5. The mechanical shuffler of claim 2wherein the size of the slot is automatically adjustable in response toinformation about the thickness of a single playing card.
 6. Themechanical shuffler of claim 1 wherein the size of the slot isapproximately 0.018 inches.
 7. The mechanical shuffler of claim 1wherein said at least one guiding member is located at least partiallyoutside of the cover.
 8. The mechanical shuffler of claim 4 wherein thecomputer is configured to send said first signal to move said secondgenerally planar surface in accordance with instructions to randomlyposition the second generally planar surface relative to the slot. 9.The mechanical shuffler of claim 8 wherein the computer is configured tosend a second signal to move the third generally planar surface afterthe second generally planar surface is randomly positioned.
 10. Themechanical shuffler of claim 9, wherein a preselected number of cardsare moved from the unshuffled stack of cards through the slot.
 11. Themechanical shuffler of claim 10, wherein the preselected number of cardscomprise a hand for a casino game.
 12. The mechanical shuffler of claim11 wherein the casino game comprises Pai Gow, Caribbean Stud, 3-cardpoker, 4-card poker, Let it Ride, Ultimate Texas Holdem, Crazy 4, HiCard Flush, or Mississippi Stud.